Archeologial remains in an ancient landscape

On the edge of the ‘Deurzerdiep’ near Assen lies the picturesque area of Kampsheide. Since prehistoric times people have lived here and shaped the landscape. Between approximately 3500 B.C. and 0 A.D. Kampsheide was occupied by farming people. They used the area for their burial rituals. Ancient juniper trees create a melancholy atmosphere on the heathland surrounded by grave mounds.

Farmers from the funnel-beaker culture

The first inhabitants were the farmers belonging to the funnel-beaker culture. They were the ones who built the hunebeds of Loon and Taarloo. In the late Stone Age and Bronze Age the many tumuli were built along the edge of the pond. Faint traces remain of the ‘Celtic fields’, the small arable plots dating from the Iron Age.

The Tumuli Forest

More than 35 tumuli have been preserved in the Tumulibos (Tumuli forest), a small woodland along the road between Assen and Rolde. They were built on the site of funeral pyres.

Kamps’ Farm

The old farmhouse of Kamps is situated in very idyllic setting in the woods. This used to be one of the oldest farmhouses in Drenthe, until it burned down in 2010. The farm has been rebuilt in the old style and is used for cultural events. The history of Kamps is entwined with that of the Maria in Campis convent in Assen, Maria in Campis.